Dr. Jay Smith, Senior Pastor Email Dr. JayDr. Jay Smith has been in ministry for over 30 years and is a native of Madisonville, Kentucky. He has served churches in Georgia and all over central and western Kentucky. Dr. Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College, a Masters of Divinity degree from Candler Schools of Theology at Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Christian Spiritual Formation from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. Dr. Jay (as his name suggests!) loves basketball and most other sports, playing golf with his son, Jericho, reading, mowing his yard/working outside and going on long walks with his wife, Marian.

Rev. Cindy Bright, Associate Pastor for Faith FormationEmail Rev. CindyCindy is an ordained Deacon in Full Connection with our Kentucky Conference. Cindy received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arkansas and her Master's in Ministry/Christian Education from the Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Cindy has served in the Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma Conferences before moving to Kentucky where she first served as Minister to Children and Youth at the United Methodist Temple in Russellville from 2007-2012. She has served at State Street since August of 2012. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Bowling Green where he works at WKU as the Director of Athletic Bands. They have 2 daughters, Sarah and Rachel.

Lee Young, Minister for Music, Worship, and Congregational CareEmail LeeLee has worked in some capacity at State Street since 1991. She began as a section leader in the Chancel Choir, assisted with the Children's Choirs, directed the Children's Choirs, Chancel Choir and Bell Choirs, and is now serving as Minister for Music, Worship, and Congregational Care. A native of Pennsylvania, Lee moved to Nashville during high school. She earned a Bachelors in Music Education and a Masters in Music Education from Western Kentucky University. She is married to Trent and they have one daughter, Allie. Lee's favorite scripture is Psalm 121. "I lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help..." Her favorite hymns are too numerous to list, but she is happiest when she is singing praise to the Lord.

Jami grew up in Madisonville, KY and began attending State Street in 2006 where she immediately began volunteering in the children’s and youth programs. Jami attended Lindsey Wilson College where she earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in 2001. She then returned to Lindsey Wilson College a few years later and earned her Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Development in 2005. Jami is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Kentucky and also holds a National Certified Counselor license. Jami worked as a Mental Health Therapist specializing in treating children and adolescents before September of 2014 when she joined our staff full time as the Minister of Student Formation working with students in grades 6th through College.

Gina Bingham, Children's Ministry AssistantGina is a graduate of Greenwood High School and is currently a student at WKU majoring in vocal music education and is a part of Sigma Alpha Iota. She is from Bowling Green and loves to sing and do anything art related. She helps out with the children at State Street on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and during special events. From time to time, you may even find Gina leading the Children’s Moments during a worship service. She works extensively behind the scenes making sure our children’s ministry runs smoothly.

Julie Pride, Organist & Comunications CoordinatorEmail JulieJulie is a native Floridian and is a graduate of the Florida State University School of Music where she studied piano with Leonard Mastrogiacomo. She has studied Organ with Dr. Janet Bass Smith and Organ Literature with Dr. Michael Corzine. She was appointed State Street's organist in 2001. Julie is also the Church Communication Coordinator, working with the website and helping to publicize the work of the church. Julie also works for the Western Kentucky University Department of Theatre & Dance as staff pianist and publicist. Julie is married to Dr. Charles Pride, the Director of Student Activities and Student Unions at WKU where her daughter Emily is a senior and her son Will is a freshman. Julie also holds an MHA from Western Kentucky University and worked in the healthcare field of Hospice for sixteen years.

Tricia Hendrix, Office Manager Email TriciaTricia is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She has lived in the Bowling Green area since 1998 and has worked in the Tax Department at Fruit of the Loom and for Ernst & Young, LLC. Tricia and her husband, Kelly, who attend Living Hope Baptist Church have been married over 10 years, and they have three children, Abigail, Hunter and Charlie.

Betty Lee, Church HostessBetty Lee is the longest serving church staff member, having started in 1984. At the church, she is responsible for keeping the facilities in tip top shape for worship services, meetings, weddings, and other special events. At weddings, Betty serves as the Church Hostess and makes sure everything runs smoothly for the bride. Betty is a St. Louis Cardinal's fan who enjoys fishing with her husband and reading a good book. Betty is originally from Missouri and enjoys spending time with her two children and five grandchildren most of whom live locally.

Dennis Jones, Church MaintenanceDennis is originally from Indianapolis but grew up in Bowling Green. He is retired from Kroger where he was a meat cutter for many years. He has worked at State Street five years and is responsible for maintenance, painting, and coordinating larger construction projects with the Trustrees. Dennis is an avid woodworker who also likes to spend time working in his yard.

Pam Fitzgerald, HousekeepingPam is originally from Nashville and works with Betty and Dennis to keep the church facilities looking their best. She has four children and four grandsons. In her spare time she loves to travel.

Heidi Duncan, Church Nursery"Miss Heidi" works with our church volunteers to keep the nursery safe and inviting for our littlest guests. Heidi is originally from Northern Italy and is fluent in Italian and German. She loves to crochet and knit and loves to walk to and from work. Her family is "all boys" as she has three sons and two grandsons.